New solar-powered pedestrian warning signs could be installed at three crosswalks on Melton Lake Drive under a contract to be considered by Oak Ridge City Council on Monday. (Submitted photo)
Solar-powered pedestrian warning signs and new pavement markings could be installed at three crosswalks on Melton Lake Drive.
The crosswalk improvements are proposed at Amanda Drive, Emory Valley Road, and Rivers Run. They will be considered by Oak Ridge City Council on Monday night.
The Oak Ridge city staff has recommended awarding a roughly $38,000 contract to First Place Finish of Oak Ridge for the crosswalk work, which could start in April and be completed in four to six weeks. The bid was the lowest of four received, City Engineer Steven R. Byrd said in a memo to City Manager Mark S. Watson.
The project would be paid for using money from a special programs fund set up for revenues from red-light and speed enforcement cameras. Projects are selected from a list presented to City Council during a January 2011 work session and locations listed in an Oak Ridge bicycle and pedestrian plan approved by Council in April 2011.
After the Melton Lake Drive project is completed, the Oak Ridge Public Works Department will have spent about $330,000 from the special programs fund, leaving an estimated balance of $877,000, Byrd said.
Byrd said the solar-powered pedestrian warning signs would be activated by push buttons, and they include rapid-flash beacons.
“Studies have shown that these enhancements substantially increase the compliance of vehicles yielding to pedestrians and enable pedestrians to cross more quickly,” Byrd said.
He said the beacons could also be used later elsewhere in Oak Ridge, including at Emory Valley Road and Emory Valley Center.
Byrd said the next proposed safety enhancement project will be at several Oak Ridge Turnpike intersections and at other city street intersections. That project would be completed this summer for an estimated $150,000. More details will be presented in an upcoming City Council work session.
Money from Oak Ridge’s four traffic camera systems has previously been used to build five new sections of sidewalk along South Illinois and Jefferson avenues.
That project was expected to use roughly $217,000 from the special programs fund to build the sidewalks and install crosswalks, pavement markings, and pedestrian push buttons at traffic lights.
City Council meets at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom.
Kay Williamson says
why don’t you put in no parking zones and 200 dollars fines, they park all over the place with no consideration for people going up and down melton lake, hell while your at it throw up a few more of them illegal red light cameras too…. I am sure with their bribery charges pending that they are still willing to bribe a few more officials…
Guest says
I see they are using the revenues from the “illegal” rlc’s and using them for a a good cause.
Jason Allison says
I see the city is using the revenues from RLC’s for some good. It is no secret when the people who come to Oak Ridge for rowing are going to be here. The parking issue on Melton Lake Dr is an issue everyone wants to complain about (as is the RLC’s and their legality) but have no interest in providing credible solutions. Kay, I’m not trying to attack you and what you stand behind, I actually like going by and talking to you as you are a very pleasant person, but that aside, this whole business has a lot of complaints but no one is acting towards a good solution. Ideas have been tossed around, I for one suggested the vacant land on the other side of the marina but it seems everyone shouted that couldn’t be done. I don’t see why not, the access to that area is still in Anderson county. Which leads to where else can we make room for parking during the events that bring MAJOR revenue for Oak Ridge? It’s time we stop holding the progress of Oak Ridge back and think of what sort of positive things can we do for Oak Ridge?
Denny Phillips says
I fear these flashing signs could distract motorists and pedestrians alike causing potential traffic hazards.
Also, these signs will detract from the natural beauty of the waterfront.
Jason Allison says
There is a huge safety concern seeing as the most dangerous crosswalk is at the intersection of Melton Lake and Emory Valley. I have seen, and been, one of the people who have to sit and wait for a break in traffic just to cross. We’re entitled to our opinions so none are better than any others. People just need to wake up sometimes and realize the road s shared by everyone.